Braun Strowman made an unexpected return to SmackDown, defeating Carmelo Hayes in a match arranged by General Manager Nick Aldis during Friday’s episode.
Following the victory, Strowman took to Instagram to address his return. “And you don’t mess around with BRAUN!!!! #BackOnTheBlueBrand,” he wrote, alongside an image from the match.
The former Universal Champion’s future brand designation remains uncertain as WWE’s transfer window is currently active. His return could mark the beginning of a new rivalry with Hayes, who joined the main roster as a first-round draft pick.
In a previous interview with Busted Open, Strowman discussed his desire to recapture world championship glory in front of live audiences. “I won my singles Universal Championship in front of nobody. I sure would like to do it in front of 100,000 people,” he stated, referencing his 2020 title victory over Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 during the pandemic era.
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